Earthquake Resistant Fabric Helps Protect Older Buildings

Jan-09-13 A new fabric, called Sisma Calce, may help older buildings withstand earthquakes—reducing damage while giving occupants a better chance of escaping.

Developed by a team from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in Karlsruhe, Germany, the fabric is made from glass fibers and elastic polypropylene laid out in four directions, which adds strength. The fabric can be applied to older buildings using a special plaster, reinforcing exterior walls to help prevent cracks from forming during smaller earthquakes. In the case of a larger quake, the fabric will hold the walls together longer, giving the occupants of the building more time to escape, and possible limiting damage and allowing the building to be repaired.

The fabric is being marketed by Röfix, an Italian building material manufacturer.

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[GIZMAG.COM]
[KIT]

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